"I feel so fortunate to be part of our local co-op that is beautiful, accessible, and committed to the democratic values important to me. All of us, by virtue of being owners, support local farmers, local decision-making, and local involvement in the community. Upon retirement from my position as a professor at UNCG, I was delighted to become a Board member so I could contribute more to Deep Roots’ future, as is evidenced in the collective wisdom of the Board that helps the co-op grow and thrive."

- Spoma Jovanovic, Board Member since 2022

Dearest Cooperative Community of Deep Roots,

My heart is heavy at the ending of my role as GM of your Co-op but my spirit is grateful to have been a part of such a collectively active group of people making the world a better place. I am thrilled to still be working for co-ops and to still be in working support of Deep Roots Market, but my goodness will I miss the beautiful people who bring us the best of our community! I will miss YOU!

After all of these years and all of the challenges we have faced fighting to keep our Co-op strong, I still believe in the co-op magic. This is the miracle that happens at the last minute, the co-op hero who shows up and saves the day, the unexpected donation that floated us through a tough month, the new vendor showing up with a product you were just wishing for, and a staff member with a sudden change in availability just when we did not know how we would cover a shift. I could write a whole book about this subject and maybe one day I will. I have been a witness to amazing things happening here every day and I attribute it to the collective action of people serving and working hard together. Being at the front line of this important work will be missed, but I am thrilled to pass this wonderful opportunity along to the next cooperator!

In the meantime, I invite all of you to be a part of this magic by following the golden co-op rules- Show Up, Be Here, Be Honest, and Stay Curious. You will win when you follow these rules, we will all win together!

We have three very experienced and passionate managers who will be serving as an interim team while our amazing Board of Directors sets the stage for the next GM to be hired. The best part about this smooth transition is that in my new role with the National Co+op Grocers, I will be able to help and support them!

Thank you for 10-plus magical years of cooperation and great food. I will still be pushing the cooperative movement with my work and education and I will still see you in the aisles!

In solidarity,

Nicole Villano

Dear Co-op Community,

There will be a big change coming to the coop in January - Nicole Villano, our General Manager, will be leaving January 7th for a new role with National Co+op Grocers, (NCG) a vital business services cooperative for co-ops (including Deep Roots Market) located throughout the United States. Nicole joined Deep Roots Market in 2012 and was instrumental in the transition to our present location. So much of our progress and growth is a direct result of her passion and dedication to our store- she will be heartily missed!

While we are sad to lose such an important part of our culture and development, everyone on the Board of Directors is thrilled to see her move into this exciting new stage of her career. Rest assured, Nicole has developed an excellent team of managers at Deep Roots to support the market in this interim period. A new GM search is underway which should be completed sometime during the first quarter of 2024.

Deep Roots owners are cordially invited to drop by the community room on Friday, January 5th for an official send-off. If you'd prefer to reach out via email, you may do so at gm@deeprootsmarket.com. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
V. Ashleigh Odom
President
Deep Roots Board of Directors

We're celebrating our cooperative spirit this month and highlighting brands that showcase the ethical and sustainable model of fair trade worldwide.

Fair trade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions, and a more equitable deal for farmers and workers in developing countries.

That's why we chose EQUAL EXCHANGE as our Owner Bonus for October.

Equal Exchange is a fair trade worker-owned cooperative founded in 1986. They distribute coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, cocoa, and chocolate bars produced by farmer cooperatives in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

New in Bulk!

Equal Exchange's Women in Coffee series highlights coffee that honors women leaders in their supply chain, from seed to cup. Roasted at the lightest roast level, these Mexican beans are sweet, juicy, and floral with tasting notes of chocolate, passion fruit, and vanilla. No added flavoring.

*All of our coffee is organic

Kathie started working at the Co-op in November of 1989 as a part-time cashier. She was promoted to Head Cashier in 1994 and to Front End Manager in 1996, a position she held until 2013. Since then, she has worked as a part-time and fill-in cashier and as our Ownership Coordinator. 

On September 6th, we held a party in the Community Room to celebrate Kathie's retirement and 34 years of co-operation. There is no way to adequately express our tremendous appreciation for Kathie. The Co-op would not be what it is today without her many years of dedicated service!